Reading and Leeds Festival have announced details of a historic overhaul to its camping offering.
You know we are already buzzing for this years Leeds Festival to erupt at Bramham Park over August Bank Holiday weekend.
But for this edition of the iconic festival, there's going to be some pretty monumental changes...
Image: Supplied
The changes mark the biggest site change the festival has seen in its 55 year history as well as biggest shake-up that UK festival camping has ever seen.
So, what's all the fuss about then?
Introduced this week camping at Reading and Leeds will be made up of five distinct campsites:
The Fields
"Open to anyone, this is the place for those looking for a lively atmosphere, great vibes and the ability to tailor the experience once arrived, between closer to the arenas or chilled further away."
The Garden
"Expanding what was Quiet Camp, this is the place for those looking for a more relaxed camping experience with limited noise after 1am."
The Meadow
"Building on what was Eco Camp, this is the space for those looking for that festival camping experience whilst reducing their impact on the environment."
The Grove
"A warm and welcoming space for festival-goers who want to camp with a supportive, like-minded community. The Grove is all about inclusivity, respect, and creating a positive environment where everyone can relax and be themselves. In partnership with Safer Spaces Now CIC, this camp is supported by gender-inclusive teams who are dedicated to creating a safer environment for all."
The Valley
"A dedicated campsite for those coming to the festival on their own or as a pair. Suited for those looking for some ‘me time’ during the festival and for those knowing that everyone also in the campsite is in the same boat, it’s a great chance to meet like-minded festival goers and build new memories in the spirit of the festival."
Everyone with tickets will automatically be booked a spot in The Fields, but access to other areas can be booked free via Ticketmaster.
Image: Supplied
Speaking about this news Melvin Benn, Managing Director of Festival Republic said: “It brings me great excitement and pride to unveil not just the biggest change in the Reading & Leeds festival sites since 1989 but the most comprehensive overhaul in the camping experience at a UK festival in festival history.
"That experience at Reading & Leeds is a formative part of the weekend and something that means a lot to not just festival-goers but us as organisers too. With the support of some incredible partners, we’re transforming everything to high new standards not seen at a major UK festival before - with everything from the facilities to adding exciting new entertainment, all the while catering to a variety of preferences across five distinct camping spaces.
"This will fundamentally change what the Reading & Leeds weekend experience means to so many, and serves as a positive marker for what festivals can and should be offering in 2025 and beyond.”
Question is, which camp are you choosing?
Leeds Festival is taking place on Thursday 21 to Sunday 24 August 2025, and you can buy your tickets here.
The Wombats aren’t just still going strong - they’re getting better. And honestly? Long may they reign.
The Wombats absolutely tore the roof off the First Direct Arena in Leeds last night, Wednesday 26 March and what a night it was.
From the second they hit the stage it wasn’t just a gig, it was a full-blown indie-pop spectacle, packed with infectious energy, nostalgia, and a whole lot of dancing.
They kicked things off with “Moving to New York,” and honestly? The crowd was in from the first note.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Matthew Murphy’s unmistakable vocals rang through the arena and suddenly, thousands of people were screaming every lyric like it was 2007 all over again. It was one of those moments where you could just feel how much this band still means to people.
Despite the massive venue, The Wombats somehow made it feel intimate. The lights? Pure chaos in the best way - vibrant, colourful, and totally in sync with the band’s wild, bouncy sound.
Murphy’s cheeky banter between songs made it feel less like a polished arena show and more like a jam session with a few thousand of your closest mates.
Setlist-wise, they nailed it. “Let’s Dance to Joy Division” and “Greek Tragedy” had the whole place losing it, while the stripped-down version of “Techno Fan” gave everyone a minute to breathe (and maybe get a little emotional).
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Those quieter moments just made the high-energy choruses hit even harder. It was a rollercoaster - in the best way possible.
Then came the encore. If you thought the crowd was loud before, “Kill the Director” took things to another level. Pure, chaotic indie bliss. The kind of moment you don’t want to end.
Here’s the thing about The Wombats: some might say their older songs hit harder than their newer stuff, but is that just nostalgia talking? Or maybe it’s a generational thing?
Either way, they proved they’re still one of the most exciting live bands out there. They’ve still got the hooks, the humour, and the ability to turn a massive arena into a sweaty, euphoric singalong.
Mumford & Sons add new Leeds show at the First Direct Arena to sell out UK tour
Clementine Hall
Two new arena dates have been added to their forthcoming UK tour, after selling out the entire run within two hours.
Ahead of dropping their fifth studio LP Rushmere at the end of the month, the cult favourite folk-rock outfit announced a brand-new European tour in support of the record, including a limited UK leg.
The now sold-out arena run starts in Europe in November before now arriving in Leeds on Sunday 30 November.
The significance of the band’s return can be found in the title of the new album, as Rushmereis the spot where it all began for the boys: a pond located on Wimbledon Common in south-west London where Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett and Ted Dwane first hung out.
However, the multi-award-winning acoustic-driven British rockers and folk revivalists are now a trio following the departure of Winston Marshall, who quit the band back in 2021 following controversies surrounding his right-wing beliefs.
Image: Supplied
With that in mind, it’s rather fitting that they have insisted that beyond just a place and a title, Rushmere is alsothebeginning of a new phase.
Following an intense period of creativity, the project was produced by fellow nine-time Grammy winner Dave Cobb and recorded at the famous RCA Studio A in Nashville, as well as in Savannah, Georgia and back home at Marcus’ studio in Devon.
The album itself drops on this Friday 28 March and judging by the little that we’ve heard so far, they’ve been well worth the wait.
As for the arena show, tickets will go on sale this Thursday 27 March at 10am.
Best of all, they’re donating £1 from every ticket sold straight to War Child UK – this sort of stuff should be standard for any big act as far as we’re concerned.
Clementine Hall -
12th February 2025 
